Planned Parenthood

I’ve been going to this location for few years. It’s hit and miss when it comes to service.
Today I called the office to speak with Nurse Practitioner (as I was able to do so before) Receptionist Lauren was extremely rude and unwilling to help. She stated that if i had a question there was absolutely nobody in the office who was able to answer any of my questions and I needed to make an appointment. Really???

Giving this review because I wasn’t able to tell my nurse and the staff how great my experience was the other day. I have been to multiple locations of PP, and I will say the experience here was the best. The actual clinic is a bit cold and uninviting, which was a turn off at first. I used to go to the one in Aurora which was much more cozy and doctor-​office feeling. This one literally felt like a clinic.
I went to the one in Rogers Park a week prior to this and was not pleased at all. The Nurse’s assistant was so rude, asked me questions in a fast monotoned voice which made me feel like I was being interrogated. Then the Nurse Practioner was just as cold. I was just not happy at all. I am already in here feeling uncomfortable, the least you can do is be warm and inviting.
ANYWAYS…back to this location.
The receptionist moved very quickly checking me in. I was late for my appointment and she got me in right away with only a few minutes wait until I was called back. Once called back to the exam rooms, the whole proccess honestly took 20 minutes in total. From the time I was asked questions to the time the exam was over, they moved very quickly (could also be because they were about to close and maybe they wanted to get going, either way I appreciated it because I had somewhere to be). The nurse practioner, I wish I could remember her name, she was AWESOME. The friendliest nurse I have ever had, even friendlier than my primary care doctor. She made me feel comfortable and explained everything that she was doing very thoroughly. She ran tests in the matter of minutes and had me in and out without making me feel rushed.
Overall, I felt comfortable and not once did I feel judged or interrogated. This location is farther than the Rogers Park location from me but I will be back to this one, hopefully each experience is just as great.
Thank you for great sevice PP! I never do reviews but I thought this was neccesary!

Long story short I waited two hours when I had a scheduled appointment. I had been here before and the timing was great. I ask the manager in charge of she could check in if my turn is coming up as I had waited an hour and a half. The manager said she’ll let me know and 20 min later gets back to me and passes me in. Go through my birth control check up. I get weighted and then the gynecologist asked me a few questions. The whole process was 5 min with an hour and a half wait. They pass my insurance and said it did go through and then I’m like did it? And then the receptionist says yes that’s what my manger said. Manger comes up and says you waited an hour and a half because your medical card didn’t go thorough. Could have told me that from the start. She sees my review and says «I get all the reviews that go in» I reply «ok». As I’m sure she will be reading this review she should inform the person right away that their medical card didn’t go through. Had I not asked I wouldn’t know I was getting billed and also they sent my prescription to the wrong pharmacy. And that was my planned parenthood experience at this location for birth control service screening.
I’ve been waiting for an hour and a half and I go up to the counter person she said sit down and I’ll check. 15 min later now two hours

I have two big complaints. The first is about the long wait time with no heads up or communication. My annual exam was scheduled for 8am. By 9:15, I had only seen the intake nurse and was sitting, cold in the paper gown, still waiting and with no idea for how much longer. I don’t know how the office could be so behind at 8am, but they should’ve communicated with me (e.g., «we’re short staffed, so it’s going to be a long wait» or «it’s going to be an hour wait, would you like to reschedule?» or «we’re running behind, so keep your clothes on for another 30 minutes»). The second is about lack of respect for my privacy. The receptionist asked about my PAP results and vaginal discharge. I was stunned. It’s inappropriate to ask about that sort of thing in the lobby. Then, when I was on my way out (without completing the exam, it had taken so long that I needed to leave), the intake nurse brought up the STD tests I’d requested. Again, I was stunned. That isn’t appropriate hallway conversation and there was a male patient sitting a few feet away, so it clearly wasn’t private. I’ll give them another chance next week (I still need my annual exam), but I feel far less supportive of PP after my experience today.

Horrible customer service, went there a few days ago to get my refill for my birth control and get my annual test in. Ended up staying there for over 3 hours. My appointment was at 2pm and I didn’t get taken in till 3:10. Check in girls were not friendly at all, were constantly on their cell phones or just chit chatting with other receptionists about random not work related stuff. Check out also took over 30 min, as I had to wait for god knows what and the clinic was not even us, it barely had other 2−−3 patients in there. Stay away from this place.

UPDATE:
Came here a second time for a uti test. Still great service but the only thing is I waited about 50 minutes past my appointment because there were so many people. Keep that in mind when scheduling an appointment.
I had a very positive experience here. I came for a refill prescription of the pill. Everyone on staff made me feel welcome. The lady at the sign in counter was so nice and polite. I had scheduled an appointment here online and entered in my insurance info, the website told me my insurance would not cover the consultation. I brought my insurance card in anyway to my appointment and also brought my most current paystub. The lady at the counter did everything she could to give me a discounted price and ended up somehow contacting the insurance company and gave me my prescription and consultation free! I really appreciate the effort the women here take to accommodate patients. My nurse practitioner made the whole consultation quick and answered all of my questions. She was very friendly and made sure everything was alright. I’ve been to other PPs and the service here was outstanding. I will return this year for a pap smear.

Worst customer service!!! If you are ever late for an appointment even 15 minutes they won’t see you but if you are on time for you appointment you will wait 45 minutes to an hour to be seen.

I am extremely pleased with all aspects of my visit here. Very quick process, everyone was extremely nice and friendly, and I was able to pick up my prescription that same day at my home pharmacy. I recently switched to a Medicaid insurance plan, and decided to try out Planned Parenthood after I discovered my primary care provider was booked for the next 2 months, and that my old Physician could not help me at all. I needed a renewal of my birth control pill prescription, and everything turned out to be completely free, which was a shock. Planned Parenthood is a wonderful resource for people in need, and I would recommend them to anyone.

I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff and the organized operation that they run at this facility. I would highly recommend anyone to come here for care, no matter what services they are looking to receive.

Came for an appointment at 9:15 and it is currently 3:45. That’s a 7 hour wait if you don’t want to do math right now. 7 hours. No staff to be seen. No information. FREEZING rooms. Don’t come to this location if you have the option. Parking is ridiculous — $ 8 for 2 hours. I’ve spent almost $ 40 in parking alone.
With this being said, when you do see a nurse or doctor, they are very gentle and kind and SUPER overworked. From what I understand, a call center makes all appointments without telling the clinic so they are often swamped with appointments. It was a very long day but the staff made it a little better.

Professional. Clean. Respectful. Friendly. Attentive. This will be my go-​to from now on.

Clean. Friendly. Pretty quick. No slow anymore. Staff is a bit sassy sometimes.

i have a problem with the manager, of planned parenthood!
i have insurance with doesn’t cover much, and unfortunately, the manager took care of me… also, i am on disability. i went to get a pregnancy exam, and she was going to charge the full amount bc she said that if the insurance didn’t take care of it, she couldn’t either. i argued with her. told her it was a supplemental insurance and i was on disability, but she i still had insurance and that the deductible was $ 500… she was rude in the way that she spoke to me, she didn’t want to deal with me, she was flustered that i expected an answer; for example, she was rambling on and on with none sense, about «if your insurance doesn’t cover it, there i can do» … didn’t catch her name…

Clean. Efficient. Highly comforting and informative. Amazing staff.

I have been to PP before and received great care, however my most recent visit convinced me to never go to this location again.
I went to PP to get my IUD removed. I was experiencing many side effects that made me feel terrible, even though it did help with my awful periods, which was the reason I got it in the first place. My insurance would not cover the removal, so going to PP would be cheaper than seeing my regular OB/​GYN for it.
The front desk staff were all fine. The problems started with Kimberly, the practitioner of some kind, who was to remove my IUD. First off, I think if the woman smiled, her face might crack. Completely unfriendly. She asked me why I wanted it out and I told her that I hated the side effects… continued cramping, bad headaches and significant weight gain that I didn’t experience on the pill. I explained I have had migraines for 20 years and they were exacerbated by the IUD and unbearable. She told me that the IUD wouldn’t cause that and that I needed to go see my primary care doctor for referrals to get tested to get to the bottom of my headaches. Mirena’s OWN WEBSITE states that headaches are a side effect. I have been dealing with headaches for a long time, have had every test in the book done. There is nothing to get to the bottom of. I get migraines. They got worse with the IUD. I explained this and again she insisted on wasting my time and telling me that I needed to follow up with a doctor and gave me a list of sliding scale clinics since I have «low insurance» and a referral for further help. I have decent insurance, they just don’t cover preexisting conditions. And this is all well covered territory. But this woman, who met me 5 minutes ago, apparently knew better than me, who has been dealing with this issue for the greater part of my life.
When she asked how long I have had the IUD in for, I told her 6 months. She then told me that this was not very long. As if I should suck it up and deal with it for longer. You know what? When you are feeling awful pretty much every day, 6 months feels like a hell of a long time. So much for compassion.
Next up, she told me I probably had an infection and that is why I have cramps. What? I told her I did not have an infection, I am in a long term monogamous relationship and I have been under my regular OB/GYN’s care regarding this issue. There was no found reason for the cramping. Still, again, Kimberly knew better and insisted on doing a swab for infection, which I then had to pay for, because that was likely what it was. Big suprise… no infection!
With regards to my weight gain, her response was that I control what I put in my mouth. It was at that point I wanted to punch her in the face. Wow, that was really empathetic and so helpful. Thanks. How about you stop arguing with my about what I am experiencing, stop giving me your unsolicited opinion on my experience and take out the IUD, which is the reason I came in? If I wanted to know her opinion on what I was going through, I would have asked.
We discussed going on BC to try to control my periods. After the IUD was removed, I asked her if I should start the pills right away or give my body time to adjust, then go on them. Her response was to start them right away because when you don’t, that is when they see an increase in unwanted pregnancies. I am not an idiot. I know how to not have a baby if I am not on the pill and I don’t want a baby. That was not even the question I asked her. I wanted to know what would be healthier for my body.
Kimberly was rude, disrespectful, talked to me like I was an idiot, had the listening skills of a door knob and was completely condescending. I wonder how she behaves with women who come in with more serious issues. I can’t imagine how she makes someone who might have an embarrassing problem or low self esteem feel.
I was so disappointed with this experience. I firmly believe in PP and the services they provide. However, I will not be back to this location and feel that it is my duty to warn other women who might consider going there what they might experience, too.

The Near North Center Planned Parenthood staff is absolutely wonderful. Dr. Marcin is extremely helpful and explains everything in a concise and easy-​to-​understand way. She is also very willing to work with your abilities and is just overall super nice.
All three aides I spoke with very friendly and helpful also. They had smiles on their faces, which I appreciate in any business, but especially in a medical environment.
That said, parking is not super convenient. There is street parking, but it isn’t available during the day and is expensive. This is not, of course, Planned Parenthood’s doing — just an observation. The very first doors you walk into don’t feel welcoming, and the staff has to buzz you to get in, which gives it a back-​alley kind of feel — but the actual lobby is clean, organized, and has fun and energetic music.
Very great staff here!

Great service, great people, great mission. Everything about Planned Parenthood is amazing. I love that they are 100% personal and caring for each woman who walks in. They take great pride in making sure everything you do there is private and safe. I like that everyone is entirely non-​judgmental — they are there to help you, not chide the decisions you make (I have been lectured by doctors before — it’s really annoying and condescending).
This facility is completely renovated and super nice. There’s a nice, comfortable waiting area with magazines and a TV. Sometimes your wait can be a little long, but just remember that there are a lot of patients ahead of you. PP is one of the places at which I don’t mind waiting just because there are so many people coming in and out of the facility and the staff give everyone all of the care that they need and deserve. Sometimes other people need to be with the doctor or nurse a little bit longer than the next person, so it’s OK to wait a little bit. I’ve never waited more than 45 minutes for anything, so it’s all good.
The staff are very friendly and very accommodating. They do not judge anything that anyone does or says and they are always there for you to help you make the most informed decisions for your body and mind. The regular hours at this facility are pretty great and the pick up hours are even better. You can pick up on Sundays! It’s super convenient. The prices for BC are also great, especially if you’re a poor college student with shitty insurance (as I see most of the other reviewers seem to be). They also encouraged me to sign up for the Illinois Pink Card so now all of my BC is free. I encourage you to do the same!

I love PP for providing inexpensive health care for women… being a poor graduate student without health insurance, I don’t know how I would get by without them!
Are they usually pretty busy and seems like an all day event to get in and out of there? Yes. When you call to speak with someone and leave a message, do they get around to returning your call? Not usually. But is it worth it to go to a low-​cost yet still good quality, nonjudgemental place? YES.
I find it amusing that they usually have very young, nervous-​looking girls as their counselors. One time a girl seemed so nervous-​it was her first time– before drawing blood that I asked her if we could have the nurse practitioner do it– sorry but I have «running veins» and it usually takes doctors several pokes– I am not going to have an 18 year old newbie poking me a million times!

I really agree with and am totally behind everything that Planned Parenthood does. Unfortunately, my personal experience there was not so great.
As a poor college student, I went to PP to get birth control. I was able to do so without even an exam, which was awesome, and I got in and out of there quickly.
A few months later, however, I had to go get that exam. I was the last appointment of the day but I waited for over an hour. When I finally got in to see the doctor (who was wonderful, by the way), I was put through a battery of tests that seemed somewhat unnecessary. What I had was a simple infection but my doctor never caught it. She was very nice and caring, but unfortunately, this misdiagnosis was a big problem.
I ended up going back once more after that and they once again misdiagnosed me. Finally, frustrated, I went to another doctor (the Womens Health Resource Center on N. Halsted), who was able to diagnose my simple infection and said that it was absolutely ridiculous that after 2 visits my doctor had missed this.
Like I said, my doctor was very caring and thoughtful, but in the end, if she could not do her actual job — being a doctor — I won’t be going back. Again, I love PP and wish my own personal experience had been better, but it just wasn’t.

I love Planned Parenthood. Their M.O. is 100% no B.S., full-​disclosure, non-​judgemental and monumentally helpful. They discuss all female-​health options, pros and cons and are nothing but professional. They bill on a sliding scale, they NEVER NEVER NEVER make you feel bad for being financially challenged.
After graduating from college, throughout my 20’s, I went from job-​to-​job, many of which did not provide health insurance, in trying to find my career of choice. During this time Planned Parenthood was the ONLY regular health care I received, mainly because it was the only one I could afford. In this day and age of potentially fatal STDs and awareness of preventable women’s health issues, as a twenty-​something I felt it was important that, at the very least, I stay on top of those health issues. I knew I wanted to have children someday, when the time was right and I was best able to provide a stable and loving home for them.
I can say, with great certainty, that if Planned Parenthood had not been a readily available and inexpensive health care resource for me, during a time of my life that I had so little, I would not have the life I enjoy today.